careless
23 synonyms and 1 antonyms for careless, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — Not paying enough attention, so that mistakes or accidents happen.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use careless
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English carlēas, from care + -less ("without").
Full origin of careless →Frequently asked questions
What does “careless” mean?
The word “careless” means not paying enough attention, so that mistakes or accidents happen. In plain terms, not taking enough care, so things get done sloppily or dangerously.
How do you pronounce “careless”?
“Careless” is pronounced KEH-uh-lihs (/kɛɹ.ləs/ in IPA).
How do you use “careless” in a sentence?
Here is “careless” used in a sentence: “A careless mistake cost them the contract.”
What is another word for “careless”?
Words with a similar meaning to “careless” include cursory, derelict, heedless, irregardless, irrespective and lash.
What is the opposite of “careless”?
The opposite of “careless” — its antonyms — is meticulous.
What part of speech is “careless”?
“Careless” is an adjective.
Where does the word “careless” come from?
The word “careless” comes from Old English. From Old English carlēas, from care + -less ("without").
Is “careless” a common word?
“Careless” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between careless and reckless?
Careless describes a lack of attention that leads to mistakes or accidents, often without any awareness of the risk involved, while reckless implies a person knew there was danger but disregarded it anyway. Reckless behavior generally carries a stronger sense of deliberate risk-taking than careless behavior.
What is the difference between careless and negligent?
Careless is the everyday word for not paying enough attention, while negligent is often used in legal and professional contexts to describe a failure to exercise a required standard of care, sometimes with legal consequences. A careless mistake might just be embarrassing, whereas negligent conduct can lead to liability.
How is careless different from carefree?
Careless and carefree look similar but mean very different things: careless means inattentive in a way that causes errors, while carefree means free from worry or responsibility in a positive, relaxed sense. A carefree afternoon is pleasant, but a careless mistake is a problem.